If you can’t grow with an organisation, you will likely grow away from it. That’s why many companies provide learning and development opportunities to keep workers engaged. The best way to learn in a company is through social learning. As an employee, you are likely to turn to your peers for advice before going to the manager. Discover what learning from other colleagues entails and the benefits.
What Is Peer-to-Peer Learning?
Peer learning is a technique used to promote teamwork through collaboration. Peer learning helps you learn from other colleagues by completing a task in a team. Instead of learning directly from your manager, you work with other colleagues and learn from them.
You learn from brainstorming ideas and answering questions when you work with other employees. Social interactions also benefit your growth and improve your overall confidence at work. You gain knowledge, practice and receive useful feedback to help you improve. The training is effective when you learn from your peers since they are mindful of the messaging and ensure the feedback is meaningful and constructive. I always emphasise the importance of employee relationships, organisational design and development.
What Benefits Do You Get From Learning From Your Colleagues?
Working with your colleagues creates a sense of collaboration, and you develop camaraderie. When you learn from other employees, you build a team dynamic where you respect other people’s ideas without reprimand and judgement. You also promote an environment of mutual respect.
Knowledge Sharing and Retention
Learning from your colleagues promotes knowledge sharing. You will develop tactic knowledge as you grow in your role. Even if you are the team’s coach, you learn through brainstorming and sharing knowledge in teams. Essentially, you strengthen your skills through the experience of sharing. Since knowledge sharing among colleagues is less intimidating, hidden talents can gain visibility, while high-potential colleagues validate their knowledge through sharing. Aside from knowledge sharing, learning from your colleagues helps cement your knowledge into long-term memory. For instance, when you discuss something with someone, you will likely remember it since the discussion builds a framework for understanding.
Improved Company Culture
Learning from colleagues at your level with a success story can be inspiring. Besides, your co-workers are more relatable than your manager or an external instructor. Your connection with your colleagues and willingness to work together build a stronger company culture. You grow in the company and improve your experience when you learn from others. Colleagues treated as experts feel valued, and their colleagues will be motivated to learn more and share with others in the company. Strong organisational relationships improve productivity and create a positive company culture.
Improved Morale and Well-Being
In the modern workplace, employee well-being and mental health are a priority. Colleagues need to feel valued and remain engaged and motivated. However, through social interaction with your colleagues, you can develop new skills and support each other. Working and collaborating with your colleagues aids in building an environment of trust and improves morale. You can deal with issues arising at the workplace by discussing them with your colleagues. A healthier work environment promotes growth, productivity and innovation since colleagues feel appreciated for their efforts.
Better Learning and Engagement
Unlike traditional training and development methods, learning from your colleagues is more interactive and engaging. Learning from others helps you discuss and debate ideas and work together to solve problems. You will have better job satisfaction and learn more from your colleagues through collaboration. Besides, social learning promotes engagement, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Connect With Your Co-Workers
When you work closely with your colleagues, you connect with them and gain a broad perspective of their goals and aspirations. You can learn new skills and overcome the company’s experience gaps and skills shortages. You can also develop personal relationships with others.
Conclusion
A collaborative and social approach to learning resonates better with many employees. You should learn from your team members and share knowledge if you work in a team. Your colleagues can provide personalised support, help you reach your goal, and sharpen your industry expertise. Besides, you can discover the hidden talents of other workers.
Written by Stephen Taylor, Propaganda CEO
